Managing Attorney

Managing Attorney The Florence Project was founded in 1989 to respond to a representation crisis for indigent non-citizens detained at the rural Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Center in Florence, Arizona. Through our programs today, we provide services to thousands of adults, youth, and children detained in Eloy, Florence, Phoenix, and Tucson, Arizona on any given day. The Florence Project provides high quality legal and social services and supports initiatives for national changes in immigration law and policy. The position involves supervision and oversight of representation work, and direct representation of individuals detained in the Florence and Eloy detention centers, and in some cases continuing representation once released in Arizona. The position also involves the oversight and supervision of pro se legal assistance to detained individuals, including Know Your Rights presentations, individual orientation and limited representation, and the direct provision of those services as needed. The Managing Attorney will supervise the legal and administrative work of staff in the projects mentioned below, mentor legal staff, and oversee the coordination and provision of services. The Managing Attorney will also collaborate on training and professional development initiatives for staff and participate with program development and outreach activities, in conjunction with other managers, the Adult Program Manager, Associate Program Manager and/or other members of the Leadership Team. This position reports to the Adult Program Manager or the Associate Program Manager. The Adult Program handles a variety of forms of relief from deportation and bond hearings, provides pro se assistance as needed, and represents individuals with cutting edge legal claims. Additionally, team members provide direct representation to both detained and released individuals in immigration removal proceedings with serious mental health conditions who have been found incompetent to represent themselves. Supervisory Leadership Responsibilities: Supervise legal staff as assigned (e.g. Managing Attorneys, Legal Assistants). This includes overseeing and being responsible for the quality of services provided before the courts, conducting case reviews with supervised staff as needed, and providing training, mentorship, and support to the legal staff. Provide direct representation to clients with the opportunity to hand-select a caseload with a focus on cases posing challenging issues or appeals of particular importance. Direct representation may also include second chairing for supervised attorneys in a wide variety of deportation defense cases. The Managing Attorney's case load may range depending on workflow while balancing supervision duties. Oversee case review meetings with legal staff and interns, hire new staff, coordinate orientation for new hires, and plan training for legal staff. Participate in program development with the Program Manager, Legal Director, Deputy Director, and the Executive Director, including participating in annual strategic planning retreats with Board and staff. Lead the implementation of any changes to the scope of direct representation legal services provided or the model for delivering those services. Supervise and maintain accurate and timely data and reports that reflect the work. Oversee collection of data by the legal staff for various grant funded positions, complete quarterly reporting for funders, and participate in network calls, meetings, and training. Attract, retain, lead, coach and develop an effective, diverse team of Staff Attorneys, Managing Legal Assistants, Legal Assistants, Interns, and special project legal fellows, and provide a collegial, calm, and collaborative work environment that is client-centered and ego free. Develop, monitor, and evaluate staff goals, caseloads, and work plans. Coach, train, mentor, and support the legal staff to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources needed to optimize performance and achieve established program goals and that effective communication exists among the staff and the team, including establishing and maintaining regular team meetings. Responsible for working in collaboration with the Children's Program Manager regarding hiring, orientation, employee relations, performance management, and evaluation of staff. Oversee criteria and procedures for accepting, opening, managing and closing case files; formulate legal strategies for cases and designate protocols for the allocation of limited resources. Develop and implement quality assurance protocols; ensure quality of services provided to all stakeholders. Work with other Managing Attorneys, Executive Director and administrative staff to ensure that FIRRP's legal practice is in compliance and good standing with all relevant bodies and agencies. Support Florence Project outreach and development activities as needed. Casework: Provide direct representation to unaccompanied minors including challenging casework, appeals, mental health casework, and second chairing cases with new attorneys. Oversee attorney meetings, weekly joint case review, and intake review meetings with legal staff, and plan legal training as needed. Well-versed, and remain current in immigration law, and on implications of criminal and civil law as it applies to the representation of immigrants and refugees. Establish and implement policies and procedures. Ensure all staff complies with required ethical standards, preserve client confidentiality, and avoid conflicts of interest. As needed, provide "Know Your Rights" presentations, intakes, and follow up support to unaccompanied minors. Advocacy: Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with local and national community partners, including but not limited to private immigration attorneys, public officials, law enforcement officials, and other nonprofits that provide services to the immigrant population. Develop and maintain professional relationships with the Immigration Court (EOIR) and the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations, and community organizations. Attend occasional meetings with EOIR, ICE officials, and/or CCA officials to discuss ongoing issues. Communicate with the Managing Attorneys and Advocacy program about possible advocacy initiatives and legal training for the community. Support Florence Project outreach and development activities as needed. Other Duties & Responsibilities: Participate in organizational fundraising and outreach efforts as requested. Participate in developing and implementing special projects or presentations. Other administrative duties as necessary. Minimum Requirements: JD. and admission to any state bar required. If not licensed in AZ, must commit to applying to waive into practice in Arizona under the Arizona Rule 38(f) (a provision that allows for non-Arizona-barred attorneys to practice in Arizona state courts while under the employment of an approved legal service provider such as FIRRP, no fee required) 2 years minimum experience providing direct representation to immigrants in removal proceedings or other relevant experience required. Other relevant experience as a lawyer could be considered. Experience supervising staff or interns and demonstrated ability to inspire confidence in others and play a supportive role. Be a proactive and engaged supervisor without micromanaging and be a clear and thoughtful decision maker. In lieu of supervisory experience, leadership potential and excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as ability to learn and execute a variety of job requirements with the capacity to be trained to be an effective manager may be considered. Demonstrate commitment to advocating for indigent immigrant clients in a respectful and empowering way. Demonstrate zealous support of the Florence Project's mission. Must be comfortable working with people with criminal convictions. Strong litigation experience and/or oral advocacy skills. Demonstrate strong legal research skills. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse populations. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Highly organized, an innovative thinker, and works in high-volume settings with limited resources. Excellent problem solving, research and analytical skills. Effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. Demonstrate to be a hardworking, flexible, respectful team player that can work effectively in a collaborative, innovative, and client centered work environment. Ability to work independently, be adaptable and reliable in the face of conflict, pressure, crisis or changing priorities. Exhibit high ethical standards and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Must be able to pass federal and state background checks. Travel is required for this position. Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Proven computer skills. Advanced understanding of basic office applications. Preferred Requirements: Extensive knowledge of deportation defense, special immigrant juvenile status, and asylum strongly preferred. Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish. Arizona bar licensure Prior experience Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project